In this article, Coach Tommy will guide us through the "Key to Big Profits" that professional traders prioritize most, but which many overlook: the "Skill of Waiting." If you're wondering why waiting is so difficult and how to practice patience, Coach Tommy has the answers, along with actionable techniques.
"Waiting is the skill that most traders lack."
In the world of trading, there is a saying I love and constantly use to remind myself: “Don’t just do something, sit there.” In reality, big profits don't come from pressing the Buy/Sell button every time a signal appears just to feel like you're doing something. They come from "patiently waiting for the right moment" and daring to act with confidence when that opportunity arrives.
Trading Too Often = Unknowingly Increasing Risk
The more you trade, the more you allow small mistakes to accumulate into greater damage—whether it's poor decision-making due to fatigue, or commissions and spreads that gradually eat away at your profits. In the long run, trading every perceived movement can drain your energy and focus on low-quality opportunities, instead of saving it for clear, high-probability setups.
Why is Waiting Difficult?
Because it goes against the human nature that wants to be "doing something" constantly. Waiting makes us feel like we are not in control of the situation. But the truth is, waiting with a plan is the ultimate form of self-control. Many people think waiting is "wasting time," but for me, waiting is "preparing time" for the right moment.
How to Practice the Skill of Waiting
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Set Rigid Entry Conditions: For example, you must have 3 signals aligned (Market Structure, Key Zone, and Price Action confirmation) before entering.
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Spend More Time Reading the Market Than Placing Orders: Analyze the big picture before looking at the small one to ensure your trade aligns with the main direction, not against the trend.
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Force Yourself Not to Enter Out of Boredom: No signal = Do nothing.
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Practice Logging "Non-Trades": To remind yourself that sometimes, choosing not to trade is the best decision you can make.
Compare it to Hunting
You don't walk around shooting aimlessly, as that wastes ammunition. An experienced hunter will hide in the bush, wait for the prey to enter a confident shooting range, and then pull the trigger just once. Trading is similar. You wait for an opportunity where the probability is in your favor, and when that time comes, you must "shoot" with confidence and decisiveness.
The Mindset of a Patient Waiter
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Accept that the market offers new opportunities daily; you don't need to grab every single one.
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Measure success by adherence to your plan, not by the number of trades executed.
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Take pride in "doing nothing" if it aligns with your system.
Big profit doesn't require frequency, it requires accuracy. Waiting might seem boring, but if you master it as a habit, you will have a better chance of winning than most traders who burn out their energy and capital chasing unclear opportunities. Because in this market, the person who masters waiting... often gets the full reward when others are too exhausted to shoot.
Article by Coach Tommy, RoboAcademy
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Disclaimer: Investing is risky. Investors should study the information before making investment decisions.
